can understand; to give security to their persons and property; for though a majority have decided on rejecting the idea of having a sovreign of their own, yet I think it must be evident to every looker on that the change in our Government by the bringing into operation the Constitution Act has been so marked by them as to make them desirous of participating in that Government. As we must look forward to a period not very distant when they will take steps for such a participation; and as we should be best prepared for such an amalgamation were the land question settled I cannot but hope that the present favourable appearances in this part of the Colony will be taken advantage of; and the offers which Mr. Parris has informed me have been made by Katatori and others to the Government will be entertained. I think it will be found that if the present negotiations are brought to a successful issue, no further opposition will be made to the sale of land; and that in fact the "Anti Land Sale League" will be thereby broken up. Mr. Parris has informed me that so unanimous are the Natives in the offer made that he does not contemplate the least difficulty in Europeans occupying the land at once. This prospect is so cheering that I cannot for a moment suppose any delay in the furnishing of funds will be allowed to overshadow the brightening perspective. You know how changeable the Maori character is; and I need scarcely observe, that should any accident arise to prevent the consummation of what the Natives now expect, a very long period may elapse ere so favourable a combination of circumstances may again arise. In haste, Very sincerely yours, Josiah Flight.